December 07, 2011

November 26, 2011

We've been huge sleep sack fans for all of our babies. From infanthood until they transitioned from crib to bed, our kids have slept in sacks—lighter in summer, heavier in winter. In our current house, Baby Dash's room isn't insulated and temperatures in his room have dropped down to 57º when the heat is not on. That's chilly at night for us Californians. Sleep sacks give us peace of mind, that so matter how cold it gets, our baby will be snug and warm.

Here are three of baby Dash's favorites:

Merino Kids

Warm, light-yet-sturdy merino wool. Convenient bottom zip and a seatbelt opening so that baby can wear it in a stroller and/or car seat with their straps on.

This is the sack Dash wears when we go on our morning walks. The sack is also a signal to him that it's time for a nap, and by the time I hit a half mile, he's usually asleep. Convenient shoulder button to help ease on/off, and zip around bottom and sides make diaper changes convenient. My favorite features are the underarm snaps so that a smaller baby can use the sack without swimming in it, and then grow into it. Well-crafted, thoughtful design make it worth every penny.

Cost to you: about $120

Cost to me: FREE

Baby Dee Dee Sleep Nest

This is the bag Dash wears most often. Love the toasty quiltedness—it's thick like a comforter—and the double shoulder snaps which make getting it on/off a breeze. This one zips up the front from the bottom up which makes diaper changes convenient. Another bonus are the "modern" stylings and colors.

Cost to you: between $40-$50, depending on the size

Cost to me: Same as you. I bought this sack. (You can get them locally at Day One Centers.)

Halo SleepSack

These were the first sleep sacks we used with our oldest daughter, almost 10 years ago. With Dash we first used the SleepSack Swaddle sacks (simply the best for keeping flailing arms under control), and now that he's 9-months-old, the SleepSacks. The organic cotton sacks are the perfect weight for summertime sleeps. The styling is a little more "classic," but then again, so are Halo SleepSacks.

March 19, 2011

Structured sandals are in for spring (apprently, not like I follow trends that closely) which is why I was really excited when the Crocs PR peeps pitched me on trying a pair. Actually, they pitched me on trying any pair of Crocs, but I went immediately for the cute wedge sandals knowing that I'll probably live in them all spring and summer long.

Now, I know that people feel strongly about Crocs (love 'em or hate 'em), but no matter how you feel about them—and especially if you think they only make colorful gardening clogs—you must try their You by Crocs line.

I chose the Mimilita wedges in black-on-black (I'm just not a fan of cork heels) and I adore them. Not only do they envelope your feet in the comfortable, marshamallowy-softness that Crocs are known for, they are sexy to boot! I'm thinking I also need them in the silver color. They (along with a sunny pedicure) are the perfect was to say, "Hello, spring!"

February 15, 2011

Both J. and I love to "wear" our babies, and after trying what seems like every carrier on the market, we kept going back to two classic products: the Baby Bjorn and the Dr. Sears Nojo Sling. J. prefers the Bjorn because it's comfortable and easy to use right away. I love the sling (which, granted, does take some practice) for the same reasons, but there were times when the Bjorn was just as comfy to use. It comes down to personal preference, but if you had to chose one, you can't go wrong with a Baby Bjorn.

The newest version, the Baby Bjorn Air, comes with breathable mesh, a huge improvement. It's cooler for baby and for parents. It still supports baby's head and neck and folds up small enough to tuck in your diaper bag.

Baby #3 is due in just a few short weeks and not too long after that, he'll be riding around in his Baby Bjorn Air.

Cost to you: about $70

Cost to me: FREE

***

BRITAX MARATHON 70 CAR SEAT

Britax is a brand that has been part of our children's lives since they were infants. We're huge fans of their convertible car seats. Both children rode in Britax Roundabout car seats, and this boy will cruise in style in his Britax Marathon 70. We're installing it in J's car this weekend. I already love the fact that he'll be able to use it until he's 70 pounds. No other car seat needed!

Convenient Harness Holders keep harness straps out of the way when placing your child in the car seat

Certified for Aircraft Travel

Made in the USA with global components

Cost to you: about $279.00

Cost to me: FREE

***

MEDELA PUMP IN STYLE ADVANCE

If you are a breastfeeding mama planning to go back to work like I am, you need a really good breast pump. And the Medela Pump In Style Advance is it. Medela is another brand that has been part of my girls' lives since they were babies—we had to rent a Medela hospital-grade pump when Bunny was an infant, and I used the Mini-Electric with both girls.

Because I'd like to go back to work within a couple of months of having the Bundle, this product is a necessity for me.

The Pump In Style Advanced is an all-in-one solution ideal for working mothers. Its technology is based on the latest results of research.

I also love it because it's BPA free and it's carry-bag doesn't scream "I'M PUMPING!"

Cost to you: about $325

Cost to me: FREE

***

FLEXIBATH

We only have one bathroom in our house right now, and it's not huge. Once the baby outgrows being bathed in the kitchen sink (my favorite "back-friendly" place to bathe babies), we move them to a tub. Traditionally, baby bath tubs are bulky and take up a lot of space, but not so with the ingenious and delightfully-designed Flexibath.

When I was offered the chance to test out the product, I lept. Drain, fold and stow with one hand? Yes, please! This Danish-made tub is perfect for those of us who live in small spaces or who just don't want a cluttered bathroom. Environmentally safe and BPA-free. Good-looking, too!

Cost to you: about $40

Cost to me: FREE

***

Thank you to all the manufacturers who provided review samples to me. I am very choosy about the products I accept for review. They have to meet three basic criteria:

Would I buy this myself?

Will it enhance my life or my family's life in a way that supports my values?

Would my readers enjoy hearing about them?

If I can answer yes to ALL THREE, I happily try the product and let you know what I think.

January 29, 2011

One of the things I'm most looking forward to using when The Bundle is born is my Oshi Mat!

I admit that I am one of those slightly germaphophic mammas. I don't go overboard (I don't think), but my kids always have to wash their hands as soon as they come home (from school, play or anywhere), I had to change their clothes before taking a nap if they were playing at the park (no germy clothes in their beds), and I wiped down shopping carts or restaurant high chairs before placing them in it.

For baby "playdates" we always had the "okay-to-be-on-the-floor" blankets that I would spread out underneath them, and those got washed as soon as we got home.

WHY I LOVE THE OSHI MAT CONCEPT

Oshi mat is an environment friendly, recyclable, easy to clean, non- toxic foam mat designed for infants. It is made 100% of Thermal Plastic Elastomer (TPE); which means, it is 100% PVC and Latex FREE!

Oshi mat has a wide range of uses ranging from developmental classes –like music class, mom and baby stimulation class-, to a travel mat, changing mat, play-date mat, outing mat, tummy time mat and many more!

It is light weight, water repellant, and cold resistant. Because it is moisture free, it does not allow bacteria to store. Oshi mat's density and material provide excellent comfort and support for your baby.

Could I just use a blanket? Sure, but I like the idea of having a dedicated (comfy, cushy) mat that I can take from place to place. And I like that I can wipe it down when I'm done. I'll let you know how it goes.

October 30, 2010

I was given this Dutch oven to try and all I can say is: WOW. This pot is fantastic. I have been curious to try Scanpan every since I learned about their superior heat retention and conduction, and I have to say, they definitely live up to their reputation. This pot was a joy to use.

I used it to make a batch of turkey chili and it made quick work of browning the turkey (over medium heat) and then, even when the pot was on the very lowest setting of my stove, it still kept the chili and a bare simmer. By comparison, I had a pot of soup in another Dutch oven on another burner and to keep my soup at a bare simmer I had to turn the stove up to 3-4 (medium-low). The energy effciency of the Scanpan is truly amazing.

Other nice touches are the vented, see-through lid, and the sturdy handles which stay relatively cool even when handling a simmering pot of chili.

Once the chili was made and served, the pot was a snap to clean thanks to its green non-stick surface. I literally could have wiped it out with a paper towel.

About the pot:

5-Layer clad recycled aluminum-stainless steel construction

Patented ceramic titanium surface with PFOA-Free GreenTek non-stick allows the use of any utensil, including metal utensils

Allows you to achieve gourmet cooking results by being able to brown, sear and deglaze all different types of food -things you can't do with traditional nonstick pans

Quick even heat distribution and superb heat retention

Suitable for all stove tops including induction

Do I recommend this pot? Yes. Wholeheartedly. Put it on your Christmas list now.

April 26, 2010

Because my family has been
using one for as long as I can remember. Also adding "rice cred" to my
(un)professional opinion is that I am half-Korean and born in Hawaii and
if there is anything that Asians from Hawaii know, it's rice.

In
Hawaii, rice goes with everything from chicken curry to chicken
cacciatore. This is largely do to the predominantly Asian population; the love of rice is part of the culture. Hawaiians eat rice
for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Eggs,
Portuguese sauage or linguica, and rice is so popular you can even
get it at local McDonald's restaurants!). Rice is also eaten for snacks (Spam
musubi), and in pretty much every Hawaiian home you can go straight to the kitchen and find rice in the rice cooker. At my house, you'd find the rice in a Zojirushi rice cooker.

Why do I love my Zojirushi rice cooker so much? I can make a pot of
rice and the cooker, with its "fuzzy logic" technology, keeps it warm and
fresh for up to 24 hrs. That means if we have rice for dinner, we can
have the leftovers for breakfast (a favorite breakfast in our house is ochazuke,
we eat it at least once a week) or lunch. I don't know my little rice
cooker knows to keep it at the perfect consistency without drying out
the rice, but it does. It's magical like that.

ZOJIRUSHI RICE COOKER GIVEAWAY

So here's the deal. I want YOU to have a Zojirushi rice cooker of your own. I have two (2) rice cookers to giveaway so that means TWO OF YOU CAN WIN!

And that's it! I will pick two winners at random the morning of Friday April 30.

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE A REAL, WORKING EMAIL WITH YOUR COMMENT SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU. IT'S A TOTAL BUMMER WHEN PEOPLE WIN AND I CAN'T GET AHOLD OF THEM.

Void where prohibited.

Contest open to US residents only. (Sorry, rest of the world!)

Winners please allow 4-6 weeks for shipping.

Disclosure: I am delighted to work with Zojirushi—a brand I love—on this giveaway. While they did not provide me with a Zojirushi rice cooker (I
already have two of my own) or pay me or tell me I had to say nice things about the company, they did send me some Free Stuff in the form of a hot water dispenser for review (I drink a lot of tea and it
rocks!). Also, last year I wrote about their awesome
bento boxes and hosted a giveaway.

March 25, 2010

Chef's Choice 679 Electric Gas Kettle—I'm a tea drinker and we've had a hot water dispenser for over 10 years, ever since a trip to Tokyo in the late 90's where I feel in love with the insta-hot water from the dispenser in our room. Lately I've wanted something that takes up a little less counter real estate and along came this pretty (and it is) kettle.

What I like about it: It's nice looking with a small foot print and it heats water to a rolling boil. The pitcher is cordless.

What I don't like about it: Hot water isn't instantly available like with our other dispenser. That took some getting used to, but still, it's ready in about 4-5 minutes.

Cost to you: about $70

Cost to me: FREE

Me and Goji Cereal—Create your own custom granola mix, name it, and put your own picture on the cool canister? What's not to love?

What I like about it: The girls and I had an awesome time making our custom blend. We had fun naming it and putting their photo on the canister (which is like a tall, skinny oatmeal can). They ask to go to the site every day to play on it and make up new blends, and that's pretty incredible for a non-game site.

What I don't like about it: I wish the base cereals had some lower calorie-per-serving options. And, the most crushing part: once the cereal arrived, my kids didn't like it. Something about the cocoa nibs, I think. (I like it, though.)

Cost to you: about $12 per canister (which weighs about 2 lbs according to my food scale)

December 18, 2009

Recently, I was sent some good, free stuff that would be perfect for making your holiday entertaining easier and tastier.

Beemster Cheese--The Beemster Dutch gourmet cheeses I was sent were nutty and full-flavored, especially the extra-aged variety. If you like robust, assertive, medium-hard cheeses, these are for you. They were delicious as a snack with crackers, and even better with wine. Highly recommend for a fun addition to your holiday appetizer menu.

Cost to you: prices vary, around $15-$17 per pound.

Cost to me: FREE

Président Brie Log--I was sent three of Président's new brie logs to try just before Thanksgiving. I have to say, these are brilliant. For those who are not a fan of brie rind, the outside of the log is just lightly coated so you can stop digging brie out of the wedge at parties and leaving the floppy rind behind for the rest of us! The other nice thing about brie in a log is that it slices up nicely and is the perfect shape for topping water crackers or rounds of baguette. Another winner.

Cost to you: (couldn't find a price online, let me know if you can.)

Cost to me: FREE

The foodloop lace--More brilliance abounds. I use twine for trussing chickens and for holding stuffed boneless legs of lamb or pork tenderloins together, but no more. This handy-dandy gadget is my go-to trusser and holder now. It's 15 inches of silicone and is heat- and food-safe. There are tons of way to use this tool--just use your imagination! This would make a great stocking stuffer for anyone who loves to cook!

Cost to you: set of four runs about $10

Cost to me: FREE

Stonemill Kitchens dips--Artichoke. Parmesan. Dip. Need I say more? I received a sampler of four different Stonemills Kitchens dips just before Thanksgiving and they've been a hit at potlucks ever since. I brought to Thanksgiving and served one as an appetizer at our Thanksgiving a couple of days later. They make great football snacks along with plain bagel or pretzel crisps, and best of all they can be served warm or cold. One thing I like about these dips is you can see the ingredients in them--there are shreds of parmesan, big chunks of artichoke hearts, spinach leaves, peppers. They're in there because you can see them and they look fresh and tasty. I'm partial to the spicy Three Cheese Peperoncini flavor. (Click the link and download a $1 coupon!)

November 15, 2009

Here is some free stuff that PR firms and/or companies sent or gave me recently. My time is valuable and so is yours, so if I took the time to feature the products here you know that they're really something special. At least in my opinion.

Wen--This cleansing conditioner made me a convert to the "no shampoo" movement. I have very dry, coarse, fine hair, and this product makes me look as if I don't.

Cost to you: $29.95 + S/H for the whole system (but note, I was only sent the conditioner, not the whole system)

Skype FREE TALK microtalk headset--I use Skype a lot for phone calls, to conference call with my partners, and to chat with my husband. Up until recently, I have used a fancy headset with a pull down mic (the kind that makes you look like a sportscaster.) I think I paid around $30 for it.

Now that I have the Skype headset, I'm getting feedback on how clear I sound, and, really, what more can you ask for in a headset? Pricier not necessarily better. One of these days that lesson will sink in.

Cost to you: $12.99

Cost to me: FREE

***

Band Hero--Just when you've finally found a place for the Guitar Hero guitar so people will stop tripping all over it, the Band Hero band kit arrives. It includes the drum set, mic, and another guitar among other things (see link for deets), and the first thing you think is, "Dammit, where am I going to put all THIS crap." But then your kids beg you for a week to open the box and you finally set it all up. Even though your lead guitarist misses every "note" and the drummer's timing is delightfully off, everyone has a rockin' good time. Put this on your Christmas lists, Wii lovers.